Microsoft warns of Internet Explorer security breach

An entrance to Building 99 on the Microsoft Redmond Campus in Redmond, Wash. is seen in this Dec. 31, 2010 photo. (Photo courtesy of Microsoft Corp.)

September 19, 2012 12:00:00 AM PDT

BERLIN --

Microsoft said it's working on a patch to fix a possible security bug on its Internet Explorer web browser Monday.

The German government agency that oversees the Microsoft Corp.'s Web browser has issued a warning for the public to stop using Internet Explorer until the problem is fixed.

According to the agency, there's a flaw in its Internet Explorer 9 and earlier versions that could be targeted for a cyber attack. The browser's "weak point is already being used for targeted attacks," the Federal Office for Information Security warned, adding that the code behind the attack is freely available online and might therefore spread rapidly.

A Microsoft spokesman downplayed the issue, saying it was not a massive problem. There is no word on when the bug will be repaired.